September 2024 – Kent & East Sussex Railway
We had great weather for our September outing to the Kent & East Sussex Railway. We arrived early for refreshments at the station cafe and, for those who wanted to, to have a look around the railway museum. At 1pm we boarded the train pulled by a 4MT no 76017 on loan from the mid-Hants railway. We enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch on the train while watching the countryside go by.
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August 2024 – Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club
Wind, sun and temperatures of 20 degrees weres ‘fore’cast for our trip to Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club. Always popular with Stroke Club Members, a number had a practice on a specially set-up putting green with the opportunity to try short, medium and long putts. We were also taught by a professional coach how to put spin on the ball or to hit it straight. Some took to it like a duck (or birdy) to water, as can be seen from the pictures below. Those feeling even more adventurous had a go on the driving range, while others relaxed on the terrace enjoying the views. We were very well looked after by all at the golf club and treated to a lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit salad, ‘tee’ and coffee.
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July 2024 – Stroke Club Outing to Capstone Park
The sun shone on us for our outing to Capstone Park. We met outside the cafe and enjoyed lunch together – some brought lunch from home, others made the most of the on-site cafe. After lunch, quite a few of us enjoyed a stroll around the lake, making the most of a lovely day out in the great outdoors.
June 2024 – Stroke Club Outing – Hall Place, Bexley
We had lovely weather for our outing to Hall Place, Bexley. Located on the banks of the River Cray, Hall Place was once the residence of Sir John Champneys a wealthy Tudor Merchant. Always popular with club members, twenty of us made the trip. The gardens were particularly enjoyed, accompanied by a picnic or lunch in the cafe.
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March 2024 – Stroke Club Outing – Os Camacheiros, Upnor
Our first outing of 2024 was to Os Camacheiros in Upnor, where a great turn out of 36 of us enjoyed a really excellent buffet meal of traditional Madeiran delights. These included hors d’oeuvres of olives and a selection of cold meats, followed by squid, bacalhau (salted cod), chicken pears (rather like scotch egg but better), fishcakes and halloumi, all served with different dips. Afterwards an amazing selection of Portuguese desserts were available including molotov, pastel de nata, passion-fruit pudding, creme caramel, cheesecakes and various cakes, all washed down with tea and coffee. We celebrated a couple of club member birthdays . We also marked the occasion of Denise leaving the Stroke Association after many years with the presentation of a photobook. Exactly as we were on our most recent visit to Os Camacheiros we were were brilliantly looked after by Fatima, Nidia, Lydia, Destiny, James, Tatiana, Gabi and Connor. We look forward to returning in the future.
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November 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Hollywood Bowl and Lunch, Medway Valley Leisure Park
Despite the sunny and windy autumn weather, our November outing was indoors with a game of 10-pin bowling for 3 teams of 6 plus spectators, and with assistance from bumpers and bowling aids where needed. There were a few spares and strikes and some scores of over 100. Bowling was followed by lunch at the Waters Edge just a short distance away where club members enjoyed a catch-up over a lovely meal.
October 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Os’ Camacheiros – Upnor
Twenty-seven of us enjoyed a very warm welcome and a delicious taste of Maderia at Os’ Camacheiros in Upnor. A marvellous spread was laid on by Fatima and her wonderful team. We enjoyed a selection of savouries including platters of olives and cold meats and hot buffet items of Portuguese cod, calamares, tuna, pork, chicken and prawn delicacies and tortilla. After the savouries, we enjoyed an amazing array of sweet treats including the famous Pastel de Nata, macaroons, homemade cheesecakes and every sponge cake you can imagine. All washed down with tea and coffee. We ate our fill and there was enough left for doggy bags. We hope to return soon.
September 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – The Fenn Bell Inn – St Mary Hoo
We made the most of the late summer weather when 23 of us made a trip to the Fenn Bell Inn where the temperature was a very pleasant 20 degrees despite the cloud. We arrived in time for lunch from a very comprehensive menu and exceptionally generous servings, including cocktails.
Following lunch we took a stroll around the zoo where we saw foxes, toucans, various kinds of parrots and macaws, enormous pigs, flamingos, otters, owls, various wildcats and ……. meerkats, among other beautiful and very well cared for wildlife. Many of the animals were taking the opportunity of an afternoon nap, very considerately in full view of visitors. We rounded off our day with a trip around the gift shop and an ice-cream for those who had room.
August 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club
On 16 August, the sun shone for our popular outing to Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club. It was a busy day for golfers and for those enjoying a tea or coffee on the terrace with its beautiful views. Our coach for the day set up a putting course especially for us and showed techniques including one-handed putter swinging (like a pendulum). There were no bunkers or lakes to watch out for but, even so, there were no holes-in one or birdies on our 4-hole, 8 par fun course. This was followed by freshly prepared sandwiches and fresh fruit on the terrace. A lovely occasion whether you like a round of golf or just catching up with friends.
August 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Picnic at Capstone Farm Country Park
On 2 August, about 20 of us enjoyed some quality time at Capstone Farm Country Park. Some enjoyed a picnic brought from home and others purchased lunch from the onsite cafe which sold a variety of treats, hot and cold drinks and ice-creams.
It was a very social occasion and a great opportunity to chat or take a stroll around the lake for a closer look at the swans and mallards. Not all of the birds were a welcome sight – one of us had a close encounter of the messy kind with a pigeon. The weather defied the forecast and we enjoyed sunshine and only a few light showers.
July 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Herne Bay
On 19 July we enjoyed an outing to Herne Bay. The weather remained dry enabling us to enjoy the sites including the pier, Central Parade, amusements, clock tower and mini-golf. Following fish and chips and ice-cream some indulged in a bit of a workout using the on-beach fitness facilities.
June 2023 – Stroke Club Outing – Kentish Lady II
On 7 June, 30 of us enjoyed a wonderful 3 hours cruising the Medway from Maidstone to Teston and back again taking in the views along the way. We set off in cloudy 16-degree windy conditions but by early afternoon the sun shone through. Our voyage started with delicious fish and chips followed by fresh fruit before many of us made use of the onboard bar. We saw mallards, butterflies, swans, dragonflies and other wildlife during our leisurely 4 MPH amble along the river. We were very well looked after by Michael and Nick who filled us in on interesting facts throughout the journey and went out of their way to ensure that everyone had a good time. Many of us enjoyed a choc-ice on our arrival back at the riverside.
May 2023 Stroke Club Outing – Eagle Heights
Our outing to Eagle Heights on 17 May was amazing, the weather was lovely and the views from Eagle Heights glorious. Just sitting in the sun was a pleasure and the shows spectacular.
April 2023 Stroke Club Outing – Bowling and Lunch
A bowling outing is always popular with club members. This time was no exception when 23 of us enjoyed a fun game of 10 pin bowling at Hollywood Bowl in Rochester where we were looked after very well by all the staff. There were lots of splits and spares, and a few strikes but no turkeys.
Speaking of turkey, for those who built up an appetite, bowling was followed by lunch at the Waters Edge, just down the road from the bowling alley where we were looked after very well and efficiently despite the size of our group. There was a wide variety of choice on the menu with the scampi and chips proving particularly popular as well as the crumble and custard and millionaires cheesecake.
Outings 2019
This year we went to Kent & East Sussex Railway.
Herne Bay
Folkestone
East Church Aviation Museum
Outings 2018
Medway Stroke Club has visited various places this summer. Starting with an outing to Hall Place to see the Azaleas in May. June was the annual trip to Herne Bay for fish and chips. Always a favourite. Then in July we visited Ramsgate to check out the biggest pub with a sea view. August was a very soggy trip to Hever Castle, with torrential rain for most of the day. Our final trip was to Eagle Heights in September. We were treated to a bird flying display and sunshine.
Paradise Park near Newhaven 18th May 2017
The Medway Stroke Club was off to Paradise Park, just outside Newhaven for the May outing. Paradise Park is a garden centre and a visitor attraction which features the history of our planet and a dinosaur park, which was indoors. Also, but outdoors, are miniature scenes of Sussex dotted around the gardens. We arrived shortly before noon and it was agreed to go straight to Lunch. The food was served very quickly and was very nice. After lunch we all wandered around the garden centre and met up at the indoor attraction at 1.30pm. The planet earth museum was very interesting and everyone found it very informative. Then we went into the paradise gardens which were outdoors for the miniature scenes and it was exactly that time that it started to rain. There were plenty of paths to follow, going around the gardens and a few ponds that contained many fish which we could feed. The rain was now coming down very heavy. We had to abandon our adventure and made out way back to the centre for warm drinks and cakes. As the rain did not let off we made our way back to the minibus and homeward bound.
Scalextric and Elm Court Garden Centre 15 April 2016.
We had two separate venues for our outing today. Six members went to Elm Court Garden Centre for the afternoon. Looking at the plants then stopping for a coffee and a chat in the restaurant. The twelve other members ventured just up the road to the Chequered Flag Scalextric track for some fast and furious racing. The track is 150 ft. in circumference with 6 lanes. The racing was very competitive and everyone enjoyed themselves. We all had 6 races, so that we had a go on all 6 lanes. With the aid of the computerised track we were able to tell who was in front and who was trailing behind. Results in and the ladies took the top 3 places. After a stop for refreshments we were paired up for joint racing with a further 6 races. After 2 hours of racing we thanked Karl for an enjoyable afternoon. If you are interested in racing you can find out more here. http://www.chequeredflag.info/
Outing to Tenterden 2nd July
Sometime outings do not turn out as you expect. That is what happened to our outing to Margate on Thursday 2nd July. Waiting for the mini bus the news got to us that the M2 was blocked with an accident. The A2 was down to a crawl and the M20 was closed. Basically all main routes to Margate were closed. We had to think where to go. So at 10.30 we had decided to go to Tenterden and off we went. Driving through rain we arrived in Tenterden. As it was still raining it was off to have a coffee till it stopped. Members went off to explore the town. Some went to the town’s museum, others had a look around the church and some went and looked around the shops. For one member who had not been able to get to the shops since her stroke, it was serious retail therapy. With 3 personal shoppers to help her with choosing, holding and advising clothes, she thoroughly enjoyed herself. Then it was off for a well-deserved late lunch. There was just enough time for an ice cream before getting back on the mini bus. Expecting to go to Margate for a paddle we ended up in Tenterden instead. It was a very enjoyable day.
Purple Bowling 
Medway Stroke Club was eager to make a start celebrating “make May purple for Stroke.” It began on the 30th April with an outing to the Hollywood Bowl for 2 games of purple ten pin bowling. All members wore purple in some shape or form; being either Stroke Association tee shirts, curly purple wigs and even down to purple necklaces and earrings with a matching purple watch. Even Hollywood Bowl decorated our lanes with purple balloons for us. The local press arrived before we started and they took plenty of pictures. Then it was on to the bowling. Thirteen of us played plus Grace, Jim’s 2 year old granddaughter who helped him play. We had a very enjoyable time. After bowling it was off for a well-deserved lunch.
5th March 2015 Dobbies garden centre
Members went to Dobbies garden centre in Gillingham for afternoon tea. This included sandwiches and small cakes plus tea and coffee. After tea some of us went to look round the garden centre.
Outing to Battle East Sussex
14 August 2014. Our outing today took 14 members to the quaint town of Battle, East Sussex. Unfortunately, just after arriving, the heavens opened and we were scurrying for shelter. As the rain eased we decided it was time to head to the local pub for an early lunch. The food was delicious and filling, although some members found room for desserts. By this time the sun was out and it was lovely for the rest of the afternoon. Some members went to the Yesterday World Museum; some explored the town and onto the town museum and gardens. Others just sat in the town square and watched the world go by.
Herne Bay and the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum.
24th July 2014 15 members went to Herne Bay for lunch. It was a lovely day for a walk along the promenade and sitting in the sunshine. After lunch we got back on the mini bus and went to the Spitfire and Hurricane memorial museum at Manston. The Museum contains two halls housing the Spitfire MK XVI (LF) and Hurricane IIC, complemented by a vast array of other artefacts. Whilst visiting, we took advantage of the adjoining café for afternoon tea and enjoyed the warm sunshine.
Outing to Hall Place
On Thursday 26th June 2014, 12 members went to Hall Place. After stopping for coffee it was off to wander around the gardens. We looked at the topiary called the Queen’s Beasts. This was planted for the Queen’s Coronation and fine beasts they were. The rose garden was in full bloom and the fragrance was lovely. After a walk around the enclosed gardens some of us sat in the grounds for a picnic, and admired the view. Once fed and watered it was off again to walk to the bridge over the River Cray, which was fast flowing. An impromptu game of ‘Pooh Sticks’ was played. Moving on we wandered around the rock garden and the heather beds. There were plenty of seats to sit on and just ponder and watch what was going on. We also roamed around the kitchen garden and the model gardens which consisted of small enclosed gardens. There was a glasshouse to look around to see banana trees, lemon trees and cacti growing as well as other tropical plants. Also there was a large pond to watch the fish and spot the terrapins. This was another good day out with plenty to see and plenty of seating. Bliss.
Outing to Deal
On the Thursday 22nd May 15 members went on the mini bus on Thursday to the seaside town of Deal. After being dropped off at the pier it was off to find the town and the local coffee shops. 
Unfortunately, just before lunch, it began to rain. So it was a good excuse to find the local pub or fish and chip shop for lunch. After lunch the rain stopped and the sun came out and it was blue sky for the rest of the afternoon. Some went looking around the shops. Others went for a walk along the promenade to Deal Castle. Looking out to sea it was so clear you could see France. Others just sat on the many seats along the front and chatted or read a book. All too soon it was 3.30pm and it was time to return to the mini bus for the journey home.
Scalextric
14th November 2013 The outing this month was a first for the club. We were going to the biggest Scalextric track in Kent measuring 150ft in length and would be racing model racing cars. The track had 6 lanes and we all got a turn racing a car on each of the lanes.
Yes it was fast and furious but it was also hard work to keep up with your car. However help was at hand as it was all wired up to a computer that kept track of the final placement of the cars. After each race the winners were announced. Karl, who runs this venue, was keen to make sure that everyone enjoyed themselves.
He gave nicknames to some of us such as Supersonic, Stealthy, Devious and The Stig. We all had 12 races in total and then it was the moment for all the times to be calculated to find out the winners.
All members were presented with medals and the 3rd, 2nd and 1st winners were presented with cups. Everyone enjoyed our day and hope to come back soon. Then it was off to lunch at a local pub. For more information about the Scalextric go to www.chequeredflag.info
Canterbury Cathedral
dom where, in 1170, Thomas Becket was murdered. We then went on to the cloisters and the chapter house, before going down to the crypt. From then we went up to the Quire and into the Trinity chapel with its beautiful 12th century stained glass windows. After leaving the Cathedral it was time for lunch, and look around the shops before leaving at 3.30pm for home.Dobbies Garden Centre
15th August 2013 It is often said that things that happen on the spur of the moment are the best, and so it was with our afternoon tea at Dobbies today. Unfortunately we were unable to use our usual venue for our meeting so gathered in the garden centre to be waited on hand and foot. All the staff were cheerful and helpful as more and more members arrived and more seats and teas were needed.
Sandwiches, scones with jam and tasty cakes were enjoyed while friends chatted together, and when everyone was satisfied, members took time to stroll around the garden, food and the many other sections of the centre, which makes it such an interesting place to visit. Everyone said they had enjoyed the afternoon, and it was noted that it was a venue we would definitely visit again, especially in spring for buying plants and in November/December when the weather isn’t suitable for an outdoor outing, and the Christmas decorations are on display and there is a great selection of ideas for Christmas presents. Members paid their usual clubs subs and the balance was subsidised from club funds, another event which has been possible due to our fund raising and generous donations.
Outing to Herne Bay
11 July 2013 18 Members ventured down to Herne Bay for a day at the seaside. Arriving about 11am we were greeted with grey skies and a stiff sea breeze.
After a group photo for our new photo album it was off to the coffee shop. Some went for a walk along the promenade while others went to look around the town.Most of us went for fish and chips for lunch at Dean’s Plaice which was very nice. By this time the sky was blue and the sun was out and it was a lovely afternoon. Whether it was strolling along the promenade, walking round the gardens or just sitting looking out to sea having a chat, it was very relaxing.
Then there was just enough for an ice cream before departing at 3.45pm for home.
Bowling
22th November 2012 Fourteen members made the journey to Gravesend for 2 games of bowling. After all this exercise it was off to the Copperfeild for a lovely carvery lunch with the added bonus of free ice cream.
Outing to polhill garden centre
25th October 2012 Ten of us made the journey to Polhill garden centre for a spot of early Christmas shopping. We took in the delights of the Christmas decorations, farm shop, butchers, aquarium and the garden centre. Stopping for lunch on the way home was the perfect ending of another enjoyable day.
Outing to Rye and the Lathe Barn
The meals were excellent and afterwards some of the party sat by the river, topping up their tans. Others went in search for liquid refreshment. Shortly afterwards the members re-joined the mini bus to continue to the Lathe Barn for afternoon tea, arriving there about 3pm. Some had their tea and cakes indoors whilst others had their cream teas and cakes outside in the courtyard in the sunshine.
It was so pleasant we could easily have spent more than the hour enjoying the excellent hospitality. Reluctantly the members returned to the minibus for the journey home.